You've got to see this Brooklyn house extravagantly decked out for St. Patrick’s Day

A lot of people go all out with their Christmas decorations—twinkling lights, ribbons, bows, reindeer statues, stars and snowflakes. But very few can keep up the holiday energy year-round.

Roy Jensen does just that at his Bay Ridge Holiday House, which he decorates for St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine's Day, Independence Day, Halloween, and Christmas, of course. Though, to be fair, “decorate” isn't a strong enough word for what Jensen does. With help from his daughters Julianna and Christina, he transforms, illuminates, enhances and beautifies the neighborhood with holiday splendor. All are welcome to take photos with the home at 635 79th Street for a free dose of holiday cheer. 

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Right now, the house looks to be fit for a leprechaun. Illuminated shamrocks decorate the windows, green lights cover the trees out front, and a Happy St. Patrick’s day sign greets visitors on the sidewalk. If you look closely enough, you might even notice a pot of gold.

Though Jensen has been decorating his home for years, he says the technology gets better each year, allowing the family to come up with new designs. He credits his daughter Julianna with her expertise in lighting—overseeing 16 million possible light combinations. While Julianna handles lighting, Christina runs the Holiday House’s account on Instagram. They launched the account in October, and it’s brought media, influencers, and fans from across the region to the site. 

For Jensen, who is retired from the construction business, the artistry and creativity keeps him engaged season after season. Plus, he loves seeing people of all ages find a moment of joy.

“People are just blown away. It just brightens their day.” 

“I like the creativity and the enjoyment it brings people,” he tells Time Out New York. “People are just blown away. It just brightens their day.”

Whether it’s a glittery pink display with Betty Boop statues for Valentine’s Day or a creepy Halloween display with skeletons, Jensen fills every nook and cranny with decorations, giving visitors a chance for delight and surprise. Every year, he switches up the decorations, so it’s not the same time after time. The details really matter to Jensen. In the fall, he handpicks hundreds of pumpkins and keeps a close watch on his mums to make sure they look fresh every day. For Christmas, his display rivals the iconic ones you’ll find in the nearby Dyker Heights neighborhood. 

“This is all about community, this is about helping our neighbors,” he said. “This is not for me, it's for everybody.”

How to visit

Find Bay Ridge Holiday House at 635 79th Street, about a 10-minute walk from the R train. You’re allowed to take photos of the house, but (and we hope this is obvious) don't take the stuff. Remember that you’re in a residential area, so please be respectful to the neighborhood. The St. Patrick’s display will be up through March 17, then it will be taken down to prepare for the next display.